Yavapai College and local employers are working together to help Yavapai College Engineering students put their skills to work. As a recipient of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education Grant, Yavapai College is able to expand the capacity for paid internships in the engineering field.
The grant will fund a three-year project designed to expand capacity for high quality engineering technician training in central and Northern Arizona. Yavapai College is committed to the development of strong working internships in Yavapai County, as a way for employers to retain and build a quality workforce.
Yavapai College has established partnerships with three employers for the fall 2017 semester; Arizona Archery Enterprises, Merit Engineering and Printpack. Each company has committed to working with two YC engineering interns for the fall semester.
Printpack Human Resource Manger Diana Buchanan said, “Printpack Prescott Valley started working with Yavapai College about a year ago, and so far, we have hired two electronics technicians from their program. Also, we currently employ an intern who is going through the Instrumentation and Controls program.”
“Printpack is struggling nationwide to find qualified replacements for our retiring baby boomers in the Electronics field,” Buchanan continued. “By working closely with Yavapai College, we have been able to maintain our current maintenance workforce, and have begun to build a pool of qualified candidates to fill future needs when we recapitalize the Prescott Valley plant. The relationship between Printpack and Yavapai College is invaluable and the key to keeping Printpack running in Prescott Valley.”
The National Science Foundation Grant provides paid internships for seven Applied Pre-Engineering/Integrated Systems Technician students each semester. YC’s ability to combine a quality engineering education with paid practical work experience is a win-win for both students and the businesses who employ them. QCBN
By Linda Brannock
If you are a local employer interested in having an intern, or a prospective Yavapai College student hoping to update your employment skills, Yavapai College is here to help. Contact Yavapai College Career Coaches Linda Brannock at 928-776-2170, or James Voska at 928-717-7726 for additional information.
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